Social Security Disability

The pending number of requests for Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings with administrative law judges (ALJs) at the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) has declined by 8.4 percent so far this fiscal year. This reflects a number of factors; however, it does not necessarily mean…

President Trump recently issued an executive order that lowers the hiring requirements for the Social Security Administration’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and excludes them from competitive hiring practices.  If you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, and your claim is denied initially, you can appeal and have a hearing in…

We have many clients come to us suffering with back pain who can no longer work because they can’t sit at a desk or stand for any length of time, walk far, or cannot lift much.  These clients are ready to apply for Social Security Disability. Sam was one of…

In a reversal of a decades-old trend that threatened the Social Security disability benefits program’s solvency, the number of Americans who are seeking benefits is decreasing.  The drop has caused the Social Security Administration (SSA) to revise the estimates of how long the program will continue to be secure financially….

Many employers are now trying to keep their older workers, persuade retired workers to return to work, and recruit those who have retired from other companies in a wave of Baby Boomer retirements and a growing labor shortage. Nearly 62.4 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and the Social Security…

In early June, the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice stated in a court filing in rural Texas that it would not defend three key provisions of the Affordable Care Act.  If the judge in the case agrees, millions of Americans who have pre-existing conditions may face higher premiums or denial…

Criminals are becoming more adept at tricking Social Security Disability (SSD) recipients.  One method currently employed lures recipients into revealing their social security numbers by calling and pretending to be a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee.  The criminal informs the beneficiary that his or her account has been hacked, and…

A new internal watchdog report on the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently reported long processing times at hearing offices.  Additionally, bipartisan leaders of a special Senate committee have asked SSA to explain why so many facilities have been closed. Since 2000, the SSA has closed almost 125 field offices.  The…

I’ve been helping clients successfully obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for more than 20 years, so I’m often called on to speak to other attorneys about this topic.  In April, I spoke at the convention of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) about preparing clients for…

Although a doctor’s disability diagnosis can aid you greatly in your Social Security Disability claim, it is not the deciding factor.  His or her diagnosis is an opinion and, therefore, supporting evidence that substantiates your claim. After you file an SSD claim, a disability examiner at the Disability Determination agency…